The deep purple of amethyst has been known for centuries as the color of royalty and are even part of the British Crown Jewels. Amethyst was as expensive as ruby and emerald until the 19th Century, when Brazil’s large deposits were discovered. In Greek mythology, it was believed to prevent intoxication— amethystos means “not drunk” in ancient Greek. Amethyst’s purple color can range from a light lilac to a deep, intense royal purple, and from brownish to vivid. Amethyst is the birthstone for February and the gem for the 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.

The deep purple of amethyst has been known for centuries as the color of royalty and are even part of the British Crown Jewels. Amethyst was as expensive as ruby and emerald until the 19th Century, when Brazil’s large deposits were discovered. In Greek mythology, it was believed to prevent intoxication— amethystos means “not drunk” in ancient Greek. Amethyst’s purple color can range from a light lilac to a deep, intense royal purple, and from brownish to vivid. Amethyst is the birthstone for February and the gem for the 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.